11 Sept – 2 Oct 2017 Watercolour Painting Workshop with Ev Hales

[day number=”1″ date=”11/09/2017″ title=”Arrival”]

Our private bus will pick us up at our designated hotel at 11:30am or Marconi Airport (Bologna) at 12.00pm and travel to RIOLUNATO , situated in the Frignano Region of the Apennines. We arrive at the family owned Hotel in time to relax and soak in the atmosphere before having a traditional Italian home cooked dinner.

(D) Accommodation: Riolunato

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[day number=”2″ date=”12/09/2017″ title=”Riolunato”]

RIOLUNATO – This quiet town is just perfect for painting the old rustic fresco buildings, ancient doors and cobble pathways inside this unique township. Following the road down from the town there is the beautiful Bridge of the Moon.

For non painters an opportunity to walk to CASTELLO to find a hidden ancient C10 tower and church filled with ancient artefacts which were gifted by pilgrims from the crusaders.

(B&D) Accommodation: Riolunato

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[day number=”3″ date=”13/09/2017″ title=”Fiumalbo”]

FIUMALBO – Today is your opportunity to paint this medieval town on the border of Tuscany and Emilia-Romagna and is surrounded by two rivers. Small narrow streets reveal a town steeped in history.

Learn about the history of the whites and the reds religious sect as each protect their church and their beliefs. The landscape consists of beautiful old churches, stone bridges and a Seminary Abbey encircled by mountains.

There will be an opportunity for non-painters to explore another township PIEVEPELAGO before returning for lunch and a drive up and walk down from Eagle’s nest.

(B&D) Accommodation: Riolunato

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[day number=”4″ date=”14/09/2017″ title=”Garfagnana”]

GARFAGNANA –today we will take drive through the scenic mountains, into the Tuscan region, along the medieval road, just like the pilgrims of yesteryear.. We will visit Castel Garfagnana, dating back to the roman era. It is a beautiful town surrounded within a castle wall, built in the dark ages..

After many painting/sightseeing opportunities, we then venture after lunch to a gorgeous village with red stone buildings called SASSO ROSSO. There are only pathways made of stone from one house to another and we can spend an afternoon painting or exploring. On our return we will visit San Pellegrino – the C600 pilgrim hostel.

(B&D) Accommodation: Riolunato

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[day number=”5″ date=”15/09/2017″ title=”Sestola”]

SESTOLA – This snow resort town set high in the forested Mt Cimone mountain will inspire the artists as they view the majestic castle of Sestola ( 900AD) which is perched on the edge of a ravine.

It is in the best location to paint under lovely shady trees in a garden square with lovely fountain and surrounded with lovely stone buildings.

Opportunity to explore the old roads radiating from the town and afterwards settle yourself down at the local restaurants or café for a refreshing drink of wine.

In the afternoon an opportunity to visit within the fortress to draw the historical farming articles and explore the many chambers which have breaktaking views of the Friagano region.

(B&D) Accommodation: Riolunato

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[day number=”6″ date=”16/09/2017″ title=”Lucca”]

LUCCA – Our private bus takes us down through the beautiful mountains to Lucca, a magnificent city in Tuscany. Enclosed by city defence walls, this city has narrow lanes, which meander along various medieval buildings, including an 180BC Roman amphitheatre. Learn about a prince’s love for his wife and the history behind the town’s defences.

This an opportunity to draw some sketches as you rest at a local café. On our return a stop to walk over the 1000 years old bridge called The Maddelenna build by Matilda of Tuscany before we return to our Hotel.

(B&D) Accommodation:Riolunato

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[day number=”7″ date=”17/09/2017″ title=”Cutigliano”]

CUTIGLIANO – is classified as the most beautiful Borga ( cluster of buildings) in Tuscany.
It is hidden deep in the Apennine Mountains. It is surrounded by dark forests and winding roads.
There the quaint buildings held secret meetings by the warlords of the region from the medieval era.

(B&D) Accommodation: Riolunato

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[day number=”8″ date=”18/09/2017″ title=”Modena”]

MODENA – Our bus will travel to Modena, which is one of the more significant cities in Emilia-Romagna.
This is our opportunity to visit the Library to see the most beautiful book in the world. Then a stroll to the ancient centre from here we can spend time to explore.

There is a large city market centre and variety of exclusive stores. In front of the World Heritage Romanist Cathedral and in the large cobble public square you can sit and take a coffee break under the ancient arches.

You will be free to spend the day exploring the architecture, the Este Duke’s Palace, churches filled with Baroque architecture and art and beautiful shops before leaving for BOLOGNA to catch our train to VENICE .

Arrival at our accommodation time to rest before our MEET AND GREET at 6.30pm. Time for a short orientation before going for Dinner nearby at 7pm.

(B) Accommodation: Venice

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[day number=”9″ date=”19/09/2017″ title=”Canal of Venice”]

CANAL OF VENICE

A short meander through the streets of Venice to our location to paint views canals, bridges and stately palazzo under shady arches. Afternoon to visit another quiet location close by to capture the afternoon light before having time to explore this vibrate city

Continental Breakfast/ Accommodation: Venice

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[day number=”10″ date=”20/09/2017″ title=”Murano”]

MURANO – The Island of Glass

Ferry to paint on this lovely island filled with shops and factories, where glassmakers live away from the main land to preserve their secrets. You will have time to walk the main canal where lovely shops filled with amazing coloured glass will tempt the onlooker.

If weather permits, we will arrive at St Marks Square approximately 5pm to have time to paint the sunset before returning to our accommodation. Everyone will be given a three day ferry pass for their personal use.

Continental Breakfast/ Accommodation: Venice

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[day number=”11″ date=”21/09/2017″ title=”Center of Venice”]

CENTER OF VENICE – RIALTO /The Grand Canal

We ferry to the RIALTO to paint this ancient beautiful centre. Views of the Grand Canal , boats and gondolas, markets stalls and the vibrancy of Venice will embrace you while you capture it while painting.

After lunch, we will travel to a new location for painters, while non-painters will have time venturing through the intricate laneways. You will have time to travel by ferry on the main canal to explore even by evening.

Continental Breakfast / Accommodation: Venice

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[day number=”12″ date=”22/09/2016″ title=”Burano”]

BURANO – Island of Lace

Travel again by ferry to find a delightful island where famous lace makers can be found. This island was a fishing village which still maintains its tradition of colourful houses which were used to distinguish the families who lived within.

After lunch time you will have time to explore this colourful island and maybe fine a special gift to bring home. For our non painters can ferry to Torcello to explore Janette, before returning to Burano and travel back. to our accommodation.

Continental Breakfast /Accommodation: Venice

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[day number=”13″ date=”23/09/2017″ title=”Treviso”]

TREVISO – the Walled City

Train to the walled medieval city of Treviso. Within the city walls, there are watermills and canals which are still used today. Explore the town with its high towers, Palazzo dei Trecento (C13) and because the town was built in the centre of the River Site, you can visit the ancient buildings of the old fish market.

The Museo Civico is worth a visit as it depicts the artists of the region.
There is time for exploring, shopping, photographing and drawing before returning to Venice by train.

Continental Breakfast/ Accommodation: Venice

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[day number=”14″ date=”24/09/2017″ title=”Venice – Jewish Quarter”]

VENICE – Jewish Quarter

Stroll to the old Ghetto area to paint. This interesting quite area which has Jewish constructions and a large square with trees and canals. Yet just a short walk and turn, you will be in the hustle and bustle of the shopping lane.

After lunch a short walk to Magdalena square for views of small bridges, narrow canals and chimneys, which are unique only to Venice. This is a good place for a Gondola ride and to walk and explore the many alley ways which will lead one to exciting venues.

Continental Breakfast/ Accommodation: Venice

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[day number=”15″ date=”25/09/2017″ title=”Bay of Poets”]

DEPARTURE TO BAY OF POETS

After breakfast, our tragretto will collect our suitcases for the train station as we take one last stroll along the canal grande to the station to catch our train.
We will train and take our private bus to the Bay of Poets.
The views on the way are beautiful and will fill us with anticipation of our next destination.
After settling in our new hotel, we will have an orientation of our new town.

Continental Breakfast / Dinner Accommodation: Bay of Poets

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[day number=”16″ date=”26/09/2016″ title=”San Terenzo”]

SAN TERENZO – Venere Azzurra Bay View

Paint all day in one location under shady trees with views of the beautiful bay with its castle in the distance, boats and colourful buildings. This area became inspiration for many artists, poets and writers.

Many admirable constructions still remain from the past. Non painters can walk to the ancient castle and explore the area, with time to relax with Janette. At sunset in our hotel or a nearby café will be the perfect way to close the day with a refreshing Aperitivo before enjoying our evening meal.

Included: Breakfast & Dinner /Accommodation: Bay of Poets

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[day number=”17″ date=”27/09/2017″ title=”Portovenere”]

PORTOVENERE – Cinque Terre

A short stroll to our ferry. Ticket is included for our ferry from Lerici to Portovenere to paint all day on one location. Time to wander to explore this picturesque village established in Roman times. The village was built on a rocky crag overlooking the emerald sea and framed by three islands: Palmaria, Tino and Tinetto, which weave their spell on everyone.

From the castle on top of cliffs, there are superb views of the Cinque Terre and island of Palmaria. Let yourself enjoy the fresh seafood and ice creams in one of the many restaurants located in the Quay.
For non painters, there is opportunity to take an extended ferry to the other islands.

Included: Breakfast & Dinner/ Accommodation: Bay of Poets

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[day number=”18″ date=”28/09/2017″ title=”Tellaro”]

TELLARO – Hidden bay of Lerici

We will take the local bus up and over a mountain with breathtaking views of the sea and cliffs to TELLARO.

This secret bay (Italians do not tell the tourists!), you will discover a lovely village to paint located on the sea edge, with a small pebbled beach with boats and under pass ways and steps twisting around the clinging houses. The church lighthouse is on the edge of a rocky formation facing the sea.

On our return by bus to Lerici , there will be time to stroll through the shops before returning to our hotel

Included: Breakfast & Dinner/ Accommodation: Bay of Poets

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[day number=”19″ date=”29/09/2017″ title=”Vernazza”]

VERNAZZA – Cinque Terre

A lovely morning walk to our ferry to explore the Cinque Terre by boat. Ticket is included. The beauty of the Cinque Terre ( 5 lands) is by sea.

WE will ferry all the way to Monterosso and will have time to explore before returning to get the next ferry for Vernazza for our lunch break.
The village was named “Vulnetia” by the Romans. The web of “arrugi” (narrow lanes) and steep stairways converges in the main square overlooking the sea. This is the centre of the village, which opens up to a large bay. Nearby, stands the church dedicated to Saint Margaret of Antioch (1318), with its foundations in the sea.

After lunch, we take the ferry to Riomaggiore, the jewel of Cinque Terre. The towns of the Cinque Terre are settled along a charming road down to the “Marina”, you will find the typical coloured houses which seem to cling to one another, with the boat dock in the middle. Then catching the last ferry to return to our port of Lerici where we can stroll back to our hotel or bus with our drawings.

Included: Breakfast & Dinner/Accommodation: Bay of Poets

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[day number=”20″ date=”30/09/2017″ title=”Lerici”]

LERICI –the Harbour

Today will be market day as we stroll through the stalls to our views of the fishing boats. It is a lovely stroll or local bus to Lerici. Above the port is the forbidding medieval Castello di Lerici, which dominates the holiday villas below. Today, it houses a museum of geopaleontogy and is a venue for art exhibitions and concerts.

The bay will be filled with boats and behind a secret carven filled with paintings which lead to the castle above and beyond the sea cliffs to capture in our painting.

Included: Breakfast & Dinner/ Accommodation: Bay of Poets

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[day number=”21″ date=”01/10/2017″ title=”Saranza”]

SARAZANA – Mystery Tour or Free day

There are many locations which will temp you but today we could go on a mystery tour taking the local bus with Janette. On our return time to walk along the promenade for the last time and enjoying a cheerful drink near the sea at our hotel before returning to prepare for your departure the next day.

Included: Breakfast & Dinner/Accommodation: Bay of Poets

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[day number=”22″ date=”02/10/2017″ title=”Departure”]

Departure by shared Taxi in the morning to LA SPECIA TRAIN STATION to continue your journey.

*Please note: to ensure you have the tour of a lifetime, the itinerary may be changed at anytime. The workshops times are ultimately at the discretion of the Teacher.

(B = Continental Breakfast, D = Dinner)